Human resource and technology

Human resources (HR) and technology have become increasingly intertwined as businesses and organizations leverage technology to streamline HR processes, enhance employee engagement, and improve overall efficiency. HR technology encompasses the use of hardware and software to support a wide range of human resource tasks and responsibilities. Technology trends in HR promise to dramatically enhance business operations and meet the challenges in the future of work.

Using HR technology to fuel success

Having effective HR solutions software is the foundation for any sound HR strategy. An integrated HR technology solution may enable use of a single employee record across multiple areas of the business and allow employers to customize how they use the system based on their specific needs. This includes choosing the modules that make sense for the company, such as recruiting, benefits administration, and time and attendance.

This ability to customize enables companies to invest in their priorities, make the most important HR processes more efficient, control costs, and help to scale technology (and build on new HR technology trends) when business needs change.

Key trends and aspects related to the intersection of HR and technology in India

• Human Resource Management System (HRMS): Many companies are adopting HRMS software to automate various HR processes, such as employee onboarding, attendance tracking, leave management, performance appraisals, and payroll processing. These systems help reduce manual errors, save time, and provide a centralized platform for managing HR data.
• Hiring and retaining employees: Technology has transformed the recruitment process in India. Online job portals, social media platforms, and specialized recruitment websites are commonly used by companies to advertise job openings and source candidates.

• Applicant tracking system (ATS): A key resource for successful recruiting and hiring is a customized applicant tracking system (ATS). This technology is designed to prevent qualified candidates from slipping through the cracks. The system can also streamline the process by making it easier for job candidates to submit their materials online, which in turn enables hiring managers and HR professionals to better access the information they need ideally from a single interface.

  An ATS solution can:

  • Standardize the processes for job postings, interview scheduling, and hiring workflows for more efficient, consistent results.
  • Improve accuracy and time savings for HR and applicants alike (potentially saving employers more money with each new hire).
  • Enable jobseekers to submit applications any time through a mobile phone or from a desktop computer, and then log into the system for an update on their application status.
  • Strengthen a company's internal application process by using advanced recruitment software, so more candidates have an opportunity to find your open position.
• Employee self-service portals: Many organizations provide employees with self-service portals where they can access their personal information, update details, apply for leaves, view payslips, and manage their benefits. This empowers employees to take more control of their HR-related tasks.
• Supporting the work culture: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work practices in India. Companies embraced collaboration tools, project management software, and video conferencing platforms to facilitate remote work and maintain team connectivity.

• Learning management software: New performance management techniques are transforming the way businesses conduct employee reviews and goal setting. These changes reflect the ongoing need to prioritize employee development, ensuring that skills are up-to-date and that employees continuously learn and better understand the culture in which they operate. As the workplace changes, HR technology can provide a more efficient means of adjusting performance management metrics.

  Learning management software can be a solution to providing access to online courses that enable businesses to achieve their performance management and continued learning objectives. This learning management system technology often incorporates:

  • Advanced digital user interfaces for online training courses for both on-site and remote workers.
  • Selections from training course libraries customized for a specific industry or workplace demands.
  • Enhanced content such as easily imported videos and valuable third-party content from other providers.

Future HR technology trends that reinforce employee training as a top priority can help an organization to ensure that all its employees, regardless of their physical location, remain engaged, focused, and continually able to tune their skills. This in turn may often lead to improved employee retention for one's organization.

• Enhanced decision making: Companies depend upon data to make key operational decisions. With HR analytics, organization can identify areas of exposure to risk and help devise effective solutions. Investment in data analytics technology may also ease the process of linking company data to critical decisions made around staffing, compensation and benefits, scheduling, and so on. It can pave the way to a deeper understanding of which processes work well and where improvements are needed. The ability to collect new information and understand its impact on the business and future decisions may ultimately be key in meeting HR challenges.
• Employee engagement and surveys: Technology facilitates the distribution of employee engagement surveys and feedback mechanisms. These tools help organizations understand employee satisfaction, identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary changes.
• Compliance and data security: As HR processes involve sensitive employee data, ensuring data security and compliance with data protection regulations (such as India's Personal Data Protection Bill) is crucial. Technology solutions play a significant role in safeguarding this data.
• Enhanced efficiency and automation: The adoption of technology in HR processes has streamlined various tasks, such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, and performance evaluations. Automated systems have significantly reduced manual intervention, minimized errors, and saved time. For instance, applicant tracking systems have revolutionized recruitment by swiftly sorting and shortlisting candidates based on specific criteria. Moreover, digital records ensure that data is easily accessible and can be retrieved promptly whenever needed.
• Transparency and employee empowerment: Technology-driven HR practices in India have empowered employees by providing them with real-time access to their performance appraisals, pay stubs, benefits, and training modules. This increased transparency nurtures a sense of ownership and trust within the workforce. Employees are better equipped to track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and actively participate in their professional development.
• Personalized employee experiences: HR technology has enabled tailored experiences for employees, catering to their individual needs and preferences. Self-service portals allow employees to choose benefits, update personal information, and manage leave requests. This customization not only enhances employee satisfaction but also eases the administrative burden on HR teams.
• Remote work and connectivity: Especially in light of recent global events, technology has facilitated the seamless transition to remote work. Virtual collaboration tools, video conferencing, and cloud-based systems have enabled employees to remain connected and productive regardless of their physical location. HR has played a pivotal role in ensuring that remote work arrangements are smoothly implemented, and that employees' well-being remains a top priority.
• The human touch and employee relationships: While technology offers numerous advantages, maintaining the human touch is paramount. HR professionals in India should continuously emphasize interpersonal communication, empathy, and active listening. Nurturing positive employee relationships requires a personal touch that technology cannot fully replace. Regular check-ins, open-door policies, and face-to-face interactions, when possible, contribute to a healthy and supportive work environment.
• Balancing act for success: The key to reaping the benefits of HR technology in India lies in striking a harmonious balance between the efficiency offered by technology and the emotional intelligence of human interaction. HR professionals should leverage technology to simplify administrative tasks and create data-driven insights, allowing them to invest more time in understanding employees' unique needs and fostering a sense of belonging.

The fusion of HR and technology in India has ushered in a new era of HR practices, marked by efficiency, transparency, and employee-centric approaches. Yet, the enduring human touch remains essential for building and sustaining strong employee relationships. By delicately balancing technology with empathy, organizations can create a workplace where innovation and human connection coexist to drive productivity and well-being.